As if they weren’t doing enough already… Shimano is already donating a complete XTR MTB groupo to our Grand Prize raffle, as well as a complete XT/XTR groupo and build parts for our sweet Niner Jet9 RDO Grand Prize bike build. What more could they possibly do? How about this: Shimano is donating a top-of-the-line XTR wheelset as another prize in our Grand Prize raffle! How sweet is that?

Here’s the scoop on these 26″ wheels: The new XTR Wheel Sets deliver Scandium rim technology with a new spoke pattern to create wheels that are lighter weight and engineered to withstand both braking and lateral forces. XTR wheels deliver sound design, durability, clean appearance and bombproof angular contact bearings – not to mention compatibility with tubeless and standard tires.

Our 50 Mile Ride Team is so very grateful for the support of Derek Melberg (Ride Rep Group) and Shimano. Derek is the one making all these donations possible (in addition to cool stuff from Yakima, GU Sports, Fox Racing and Nite Rider). By the way, you’ll have a chance to thank Derek personally. He’ll be the ace mechanic working on your bike at the Dove Canyon Waterfall Aid Station, as he’s done for us every year. Tell him “thanks” when you roll by. Just don’t give him a hug – you’ll be all sweaty and he’ll be busy with bikes anyway.